This Is the Real Reason Your Hair Won't Curl

The fate of fine-haired women feels especially unfair. Sure, information on how to achieve Blake Lively–esque waves abounds, with all the accompanying step-by-step guides, product picks, and must-read tips, yet none of the advice seems to take into account your thin strands and how they quickly deflate to their flat, lifeless state after just a few hours (or, let’s be real, minutes). What a tease it is to have what you desire at your fingertips but remain completely unreachable. Le sigh.Before you succumb to a life of flat, straight hair, know this: We here at Byrdie HQ have heard your cries and are here to help your limp strands.

We spoke with hairstylist Matthew Fugate at Sally Hershberger Salon in New York City and asked him the real reason our curls unfurl, plus exactly what we can do to remedy it. Considering he’s worked with the likes of Claire Danes, Brooke Shields, and, yes, the ever-well-tressed Blake Lively, we’re taking his word as gospel, natch. Keep scrolling to see his tips.

Imaxtree

It Could Be Your Genetics

First things first—part of the reason your hair doesn’t hold curl well simply has to do with genetics (thanks, Mom!). “Natural texture is a huge factor into how well your hair holds curl, as well as thickness,” Fugate explains. But just because you weren’t born with your best friend’s curly mane doesn’t mean you can’t fake them yourself. “You have to just attack your hair in a different way based on your unique hair type,” Fugate says. “Every hair can hold a curl—it just depends on how much patience you have to create it.”

Kinky-Curly Technique

Mango

If you’re trying to get old-school Felicity curls and you have super-fine hair, you’ll have to plan ahead and do it overnight—no ifs, ands or buts about it. “Sponge rollers are my favorite and you can get them for super cheap,” Fugate says. “You would wrap your dry hair in them the night before, sleep, then undo them, and wake up with really beautiful, tightly wound curls.” No foam rollers? Try paper towels, rags, or anything soft you can tie your hair around. (Check out our editor's results from the paper-towel version.)